Watch the Gap

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I lived at the last stop of the R line at 95th Street in Bay Ridge for more than 25 years. I rode that iron horse almost every day, and each time was an adventure. I met some of the most fascinating people underground from all walks of life. I especially loved riding to jazz band rehearsal uptown in Harlem with my drummer, Ira. We'd meet up at 59th Street in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and discuss the songs we would work on that day as we headed into Manhattan. My cousin, John DiResta, who was a member of the NYPD, had one of his last posts at my stop at 95th Street. The worst problem he faced there was turn-style jumpers. He used to tell me that sometimes the perp would later commit felonies and that catching them was an objective of the force before they had a chance to. He was a good cop, and now he's a better actor and comedian. Check him out.

In all the years that I rode that subway line, the worst thing I saw was a guy pull a knife on someone. They were having a stare-down. It didn't go any further, but I made sure I got off at the next stop. What happened on a subway car during this Tuesday’s morning rush hour has sent chills through me and the millions of people who call New York City home. We all know that the city has crime spikes and over the past few years, crime has been on the rise. Back in the 70's crime was high, too, but it was between the hoods. Today's crime is more random, and it feels as though no one is safe in Gotham these days. 

I left the city in 2012 and moved back to my hometown of Bay Shore on Long Island. It was a choice that felt very natural to me. The New York City I left is not the same now, and it breaks my heart to see what has happened to it. I don't think it's any one person's fault or for any one reason. It's too complicated for this writer to elaborate on here. I don't want to think that the city is dead. It's not. And thank God, so far, no one has died from this carnage that happened on a packed N train at the height of rush hour. 

It is unfortunate that a camera that could have clearly identified the suspect was inoperable. Perhaps it will get fixed now. But whether it was working or not, that person escaped into the hallows of the subway system. I am confident that they will be caught and brought to justice soon. I pray for the victims and their family, friends, and co-workers. And I pray for the witnesses who escaped with an inch of their life. Thank you to the everyday people of New York City, the MTA workers, police, fire department, bomb squad, EMT, and anyone else who came to the aid of commuters who were just heading to work. Maybe some people on that train were heading to a breakfast date, a meeting, or to visit a friend or relative; their destination cut short by a smoke bomb and bullets.

My hope is that one day the glory of New York City will be revived so that we can all enjoy the majesty of this incredible town that criminals are trying to take from us. We all lose. Watch the gap.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

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I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write short, poetic articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, and daily life in and around Bay Shore and beyond. Please subscribe to my free newsletter that will be delivered directly to your email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. To support the SLTN community, you can make a recurring monthly donation as a Friend ($5) or Advocate ($15). You can also advertise your business or event here. It's easy and convenient to do. I am also an advocate for people 60 and beyond. These years can be transformative, but they require focus, determination, and planning. I have a first Monday-of-the-month motivational vlog that is designed to inspire people to thrive as they age through knowledge and self-awareness. Please follow me on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Linkedin under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.